Essential Takeaways
• About one-third of women have the MTHFR gene mutation that can make it difficult to efficiently utilize folic acid, the synthetic form of folate.*
• MTHF is a bioavailable form of folate that we included in our Essential Prenatal Multivitamin and Essential for Women 18+ Multivitamin.*
Genes are tricky, especially when it comes to the body’s ability to efficiently utilize nutrients. One of the most common examples of this is folate, a nutrient that we all need for normal DNA synthesis to support a normal energy-yielding metabolism. For pregnant women, folate is essential in helping support baby’s neural tube development.
Because of a common genetic variation called MTHFR, many of us (some stats say up to one-third) have a tricky time utilizing synthetic folic acid, a form of folate common in dietary supplements. Which begs the question: How do you find an ideal form for all genetic types? Let’s get into it.
What Is the MTHFR Gene Mutation?
The MTHFR gene controls the production of an enzyme called methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. MTHFR enzyme helps the body process and convert folate (also known as vitamin B9). This conversion helps the body create amino acids that we need to build proteins and other essential compounds.